A Tribute to George

You have not received “A Piece of My Mind” lately. Here’s why. When I came to Los Angeles, in 1979, I met a retired gentleman named George. He used his hobby (detailing cars) to minister to his Pastor (me). In the late 80’s, George moved and we lost contact. Then, in the early 90’s, George returned to LA and we renewed our relationship.

This time the relationship was different. Oh, George and his wife Ann did attend my “new” church, but George was now too old to detail cars. They lived frugally on Social Security and their pensions in an apartment. They had no immediate family and only a few friends. As they grew more and more frail, I did more and more for them.

Several years ago, Ann went to be with the Lord. George then lived by himself. I called every morning to see if he was all right and, of course, went to see him. He loved potpies. So, we established a routine for me to take him out for a potpie. Other than that, George read his Bible by the hour every day and listened to my tapes, hundreds of them!

I never knew my father. He and my mother were divorced when I was young and he died before I was an adult. In the last year, it dawn on me that I was caring for George like I would, if he were my Father (whose name was George). George was not just a church member, or even a friend; George became my surrogate father.

On December 13th George became ill. To make a long story short, it was discovered that George had a brain tumor. He was given six months max. For the next five weeks, I watched my dear friend, no my father substitute, slowly die. At 5:00 pm, January 17, 2002 George quietly went to be with the Lord. He wished to be cremated and that there be no service. Typical. Since I can’t say this in a service, may I share with you, my friends, my tribute to my father figure George?

George, thank you for being such godly man. I remember you reading the Bible so faithfully. I recall all the times when I asked you how you were and you telling me that you were waiting for the Second Coming. I recollect you passing out tracts and being interested in knowing if anyone came to Christ Sunday when I preached.

George, thank you for being such a gentleman. You always carried yourself with such dignity. You conducted yourself so graciously. With your full head of white hair at age 89 and the way you attended to detail in your dress, you have left me with an unforgettable picture of what an elderly, godly, gracious gentleman looks like.

George, thank you for being such a great servant. You counted the money at church. In your late 80’s, you helped us paint the church. You served me by washing my car.

I could go on and on, but what greater tribute could I add. George washed my car (Mk 10:45, Jn. 13:14-15). By the way, my first name is George. What a legacy!